Executive Director of the Grand Theatre stepping down after 22 years
Deb Harvey arrived at the historic Grand Theatre in London, Ont. at a time when it was in danger of closing its doors. Twenty-two years later she is stepping down as executive director after overseeing 21 years of surpluses.
“Our industry is calling for change. At the Grand, as we re-open post-COVID, we talk about telling new stories and hearing new voice. Some of those new voices need to be those of new leaders,” said Harvey in a statement.
President of the Board of Directors of the Grand Theatre Anita Shah announced Thursday in a release that Harvey would be stepping down after the 2021/22 season.
“We knew this day was coming eventually, but that doesn’t make it any easier,” said Shah in a statement. “It will be difficult to replace Deb, her leadership, and her dedication to the theatre.”
Harvey first arrived in London 22 years ago on a six-month contract at a time when the theatre was in danger of shutting down due to debt.
Since then she led the theatre to 21 straight years of surplus, a streak broken only last year due to COVID-19.
She has been a staple in the community with her more than two decades with the Grand Theatre. In that time, she has worked with 11 board presidents, three different artistic directors and six mayors.
In 2019 she was awared the YMCA Women of Excellence Award, and has been specifically supportive of the many youth programs at the Grand such as the High School Project.
Harvey said she looks forward to enjoying the newly renovated space in her last year and that she will continue to put her whole hear into her work until her last day as executive director.
“We need to get back to business, tell new stories, share our new spaces, and welcome audiences back. And most importantly, together, we are planning for the bright future that lies ahead for the Grand.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.